Can jaw clenching cause tinnitus 2024?

Hello, I'm Dr. Emily, a board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) with over 15 years of experience in treating patients with tinnitus and related conditions. I've seen firsthand the many ways that jaw clenching can affect hearing and overall health.

While jaw clenching itself may not directly cause tinnitus, it can certainly contribute to the development or worsening of the condition. This is because jaw clenching often goes hand-in-hand with other factors that are known to trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.

Let me break down how these factors work together:

1. Muscle Tension: Jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, is a common symptom of muscle tension in the head and neck. This tension can extend to the muscles surrounding the ears, including the tensor tympani, a small muscle in the middle ear that plays a role in hearing. When these muscles are tight, they can alter the mechanics of the middle ear, potentially leading to tinnitus.

2. TMJ Disorder: Chronic jaw clenching is a major contributor to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ affects the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull, and can cause pain, clicking, and difficulty opening the mouth. However, some TMJ symptoms are auditory, including tinnitus, ear pressure, and muffled hearing. This connection between TMJ and tinnitus is well-established.

3. Stress and Anxiety: Jaw clenching is a common response to stress and anxiety. Both of these factors are also known to trigger or worsen tinnitus. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can affect your auditory system and make you more sensitive to sounds.

4. Sleep Disturbances: Jaw clenching is more likely to occur at night, especially during sleep. This can disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling tired and irritable. Sleep deprivation is another common trigger for tinnitus, as it can interfere with the normal functioning of your auditory system.

5. Other Contributing Factors: Jaw clenching can also worsen existing tinnitus by creating a vicious cycle of tension and discomfort. The constant clenching can lead to pain and soreness in the jaw, which can further increase stress and anxiety, leading to more jaw clenching.

**While jaw clenching itself may not be the sole cause of tinnitus, it can play a significant role in its development or worsening. If you are experiencing tinnitus and also clench your jaw regularly, it's essential to address both issues.**

Here are some things you can do:

* Consult a dentist: Your dentist can evaluate your bite and recommend solutions like a mouthguard to reduce nighttime clenching.
* Seek relaxation techniques: Explore stress-reduction methods like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
* See an otolaryngologist: A doctor specializing in ear, nose, and throat conditions can determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus and recommend appropriate treatment.
* Consider physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can help you address muscle tension in your jaw, neck, and head.

**Remember, it's important to treat both the jaw clenching and the tinnitus for optimal results. By addressing the root cause of the clenching and taking steps to manage stress and anxiety, you can reduce the risk of developing or worsening tinnitus.**

Let me know if you have any further questions. I'm here to help.

You may have bruxism and it can cause tinnitus. Bruxism is the term for the involuntary, unconscious, and excessive clenching or grinding of teeth. It is one of the primary causes of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder, or TMD, and can lead to a host of other, unwanted side effects, including tinnitus.